Archos Video AV320

Portable MP3 players are popular accessories for those with digital music collections, and larger storage capacities on the latest devices means that players can now store larger files. Archos' new AV320 allows you to take video clips wherever you go.

The Archos connects to a PC using the USB 2 connection, which means transferring files is pretty fast. You can drag and drop video files directly to the player, which can then be played back on the 4in screen. As well as storing and playing video, the AV320 can also record from a TV. Using the supplied recording unit, which clips onto the side of the device, you can record up to 40 hours of footage on the 20Gb hard disk for playback later on. However, watching video drains battery life very quickly.

The AV320 is also adept at storing, playing and recording audio. Both MP3 and WMA files can be transferred to the player using MusicMatch Jukebox.

Audio information can also be encoded from an external source using the player's audio-in socket, which doubles up as a digital-input for recording directly from an analogue sound source. Both audio and video playback are impressive, although viewing the screen from any angle other than straight on renders the image invisible. However, it can be connected to a TV to play back if you have one handy.

It has useful facilities for digital photos too, which can be stored and viewed on the player. An optional camera module (£200) will allow you to transform the device into a 3.3 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom. A built-in microphone also allows the AV320 to operate as a voice recorder. All told, it is an original idea that works well.

It's brand-new technology, so paying a premium price has to be expected.The only downside, apart from its £550 price tag and limited battery life, is its size. It's not huge but will only fit in the most generous of pockets.

Contact: Archos 01793 441510
www.archos.com